RV campgrounds near Charlestown, Indiana typically offer riverside or lakeside camping with concrete pads for better leveling stability. Most sites sit at 400-700 feet elevation with humid summers where temperatures often exceed 90°F between June and September. Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly during summer months, particularly in the Ohio River Valley region where several Charlestown-area campgrounds are located.
What to do
Fishing access: Follow The River RV Resort provides a lake for fishing, along with other recreational amenities. "There is a pool, volleyball courts and a dog park," notes Jessica G., adding that summer visitors should "bring a canopy if your RV doesn't have one" due to limited shade.
Live entertainment options: Several Charlestown area RV campgrounds host weekend activities during peak season. Elkhorn Creek RV Park offers "entertainment & a food truck on weekends" according to Amanda W., while another camper mentioned "the classic rock singer who came in and sang in the pavilion on Saturday night was fun."
Bourbon trail access: RV parks in the region serve as convenient bases for exploring Kentucky's distilleries. "We stayed for several days so that we could visit distilleries on the Bourbon Trail. Frankfort is almost close enough to bicycle to. Lexington is less than an hour away," notes Art Z. about Elkhorn Creek RV Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer larger sites than others in the region. At Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, "Most of the sites were really big, and there was plenty of space and trees in between," according to Cassandra C., who adds that the primitive camping area shares a clean bathhouse with only 25 total sites.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness varies significantly across the region. Josh S. reports about Elkhorn Creek RV Park: "Can I take a moment to say the restroom/shower was the cleanest I have EVER used. Huge thanks to the staff, you can tell they truly take pride in their work."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Camp Raintree Lake (now Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA) provides numerous amenities for families. Julie G. mentions "a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf" and notes the owners were installing a new pool during her visit. The campground also offers "high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works" according to Ima C.
What you should know
Varying site quality: Site conditions vary significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Grand Trails RV Park, "spaces are very close, no table, no place to set up a bbq" according to Becca M., who also noted issues with sewer hookup height: "we couldn't hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise despite rural settings. Camp Raintree Lake is "a few miles from interstate and right off the highway so some highway noise but still a great picturesque place," notes Julie G.
Staffing limitations: Park attendance varies, which can affect service availability. Justin S. observed at Taylorsville Lake State Park: "we got in shortly after 7PM and there was no ranger or staff to be found to get firewood. No honor system or anything so we had to venture out to find some after we got our tent up because the main office was closed as well."
Tips for camping with families
Look for multiple play areas: Family-oriented campgrounds offer various recreational options. Swiss Haven RV Resort features riverfront sites, while Josh S. noted at Elkhorn Creek RV Park: "It was perfect for our kids and dogs. Kids were none stop walking the dogs, and scootering up and down the road."
Check seasonal activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer organized activities during peak season. Brooks RV Park creates evening ambiance with "fairy lights at night" according to Scott S., who describes it as "nicely landscaped" and recommends it as a family-friendly option.
Evaluate bathroom facilities: Clean, accessible facilities matter for family camping. Heather K. mentioned about Taylorsville Lake State Park: "We were near the restroom facilities which were very clean. The camping area was recently mowed. Plenty of parking for guests and tents."
Tips from RVers
Verify site levels before booking: Leveling challenges exist at several campgrounds. Charlie M. advises about Camp Raintree Lake: "Sites are level, water is good, power is stable at 118 VAC. The sewer entry on our site is plain PVC so we had to use a foam doughnut to secure the elbow with 20' of hose."
Consider security when choosing locations: Safety varies between campgrounds. Scott C. recommends Brooks RV Park as "a hard to find gem in Louisville, KY" noting it "is in a safe country setting surrounded by large trees and on a dead end road."
GPS reliability issues: Navigation systems may not provide accurate directions to all campgrounds. Amanda W. cautions about Elkhorn Creek RV Park: "Make sure you take the exit they tell you & do NOT follow gps or you'll go down a long country road."
